and_o such_o as_o require_v awful_a attention_n we_o can_v expect_v satisfaction_n in_o this_o matter_n by_o such_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n as_o david_n have_v it_o but_o we_o may_v know_v it_o by_o first_o our_o covenant-engagement_n second_o our_o covenant-impression_n three_o our_o covenant-conversation_n first_o by_o our_o covenant-engagement_n or_o dedication_n of_o ourselves_o to_o god_n sometime_o call_v our_o join_a ourselves_o to_o the_o lord_n zech._n 2.11_o our_o yield_a ourselves_o to_o he_o rom._n 6.19_o our_o give_a ourselves_o to_o he_o 2_o cor._n 8.5_o the_o soul_n that_o free_o and_o deliberate_o consent_v to_o take_v or_o choose_v the_o lord_n to_o be_v his_o god_n may_v warrantable_o conclude_v the_o lord_n have_v take_v or_o choose_v he_o for_o our_o choice_n of_o god_n be_v but_o the_o result_n of_o his_o choice_n of_o we_o joh._n 15.16_o you_o have_v not_o choose_v i_o but_o i_o have_v choose_v you_o i._n e._n you_o can_v never_o have_v choose_v i_o but_o in_o consequence_n to_o and_o by_o virtue_n of_o my_o first_o choice_n of_o you_o well_o then_o let_v it_o be_v serious_o consider_v whether_o you_o have_v due_o consent_v to_o take_v the_o lord_n for_o your_o god_n and_o christ_n for_o your_o redeemer_n this_o include_v two_o thing_n in_o it_o 1._o your_o relinquish_a of_o all_o thing_n inconsistent_a with_o he_o 2._o your_o acceptation_n of_o all_o that_o promote_v the_o glory_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o 1._o your_o relinquish_a of_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o a_o interest_n in_o he_o except_o we_o let_v these_o go_v god_n can_v be_v our_o god_n nor_o christ_n our_o redeemer_n the_o thing_n to_o be_v relinquish_v for_o christ_n be_v in_o short_a both_o our_o sinful_a and_o our_o righteous_a self_n sinful-self_n must_v be_v disclaim_v and_o renounce_v for_o we_o can_v be_v the_o servant_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n too_o rom._n 6.14.18_o and_o righteous_a self_n must_v be_v renounce_v also_o or_o we_o can_v have_v no_o part_n or_o interest_n in_o his_o righteousness_n rom._n 10.3_o these_o be_v two_o difficult_a point_n of_o self-denial_n to_o part_v with_o every_o belove_a lust_n and_o to_o give_v up_o our_o own_o righteousness_n thousand_o chufe_fw-fr rather_o to_o be_v damn_v for_o ever_o than_o to_o do_v either_o of_o these_o 2._o your_o acceptance_n and_o embrace_v of_o all_o thing_n that_o promote_v his_o glory_n and_o further_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o as_o all_o the_o painful_a way_n of_o duty_n hear_v pray_v meditate_v and_o all_o this_o with_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o inner_a man_n and_o offer_v up_o of_o the_o soul_n to_o god_n in_o these_o duty_n and_o the_o more_o painful_a way_n of_o suffer_v for_o god_n and_o endure_v all_o loss_n reproach_n torment_n and_o death_n for_o he_o if_o his_o glory_n require_v it_o and_o you_o be_v thereunto_o call_v all_o this_o be_v include_v in_o your_o choose_n god_n to_o be_v your_o god._n and_o upon_o our_o understanding_n and_o free_a consent_n and_o seal_v to_o these_o article_n we_o have_v right_a to_o call_v he_o our_o god._n mat._n 16.24_o if_o any_o man_n will_v come_v after_o i_o let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o now_o have_v you_o consider_v the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n weigh_v and_o balance_v all_o the_o conveniency_n and_o inconvenience_n of_o godliness_n and_o then_o determine_v for_o christ_n and_o holiness_n let_v the_o cost_n be_v what_o it_o will_v than_o you_o have_v choose_v he_o aright_o for_o your_o god._n many_o think_v they_o have_v choose_v god_n for_o their_o god_n that_o never_o understand_v or_o deliberate_v these_o term_n but_o non_fw-la consentit_fw-la qui_fw-la non_fw-la sentit_fw-la he_o that_o neither_o know_v nor_o ponder_v they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o give_v a_o due_a consent_n second_o we_o may_v discern_v our_o covenant-interest_n in_o the_o covenant-impression_n that_o be_v make_v upon_o our_o soul_n all_o god_n covenant_n people_n have_v a_o double_a mark_n or_o impression_n make_v upon_o they_o viz._n 1._o upon_o their_o mind_n 2._o upon_o their_o heart_n 1._o upon_o their_o mind_n in_o a_o more_o spiritual_a and_o efficacious_a knowledge_n of_o god_n jer._n 31.33_o they_o shall_v all_o know_v i_o from_o the_o great_a of_o they_o even_o to_o the_o least_o of_o they_o this_o knowledge_n be_v say_v to_o be_v give_v not_o acquire_v by_o the_o mere_a strength_n of_o natural_a ability_n and_o humane_a aid_n and_o give_v we_o in_o the_o face_n of_o christ_n not_o by_o the_o footstep_n of_o the_o creature_n only_o as_o he_o speak_v 2_o cor._n 4.6_o it_o be_v the_o choice_n teach_v of_o the_o anoint_v 1_o joh._n 2.27_o a_o knowledge_n spring_v from_o inward_a experience_n and_o spiritual_a sense_n as_o we_o know_v the_o sweetness_n of_o honey_n by_o taste_v better_o than_o by_o all_o the_o description_n and_o report_n that_o can_v be_v make_v of_o it_o 2._o upon_o their_o heart_n in_o that_o gracious_a tenderness_n and_o melt_n of_o it_o for_o sin_n or_o the_o discovery_n of_o free_a grace_n in_o the_o pardon_n of_o it_o so_o you_o read_v in_o ezek._n 36.26_o a_o new_a heart_n also_o will_v i_o give_v you_o and_o a_o new_a spirit_n will_v i_o put_v within_o you_o and_o i_o will_v take_v away_o the_o stony_a heart_n out_o of_o your_o flesh_n and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o a_o heart_n of_o flesh_n it_o be_v as_o easy_a to_o melt_v the_o obdurate_a rock_n into_o sweet_a syrup_n as_o it_o be_v to_o melt_v the_o natural_a heart_n into_o a_o penitential_a and_o tender_a melt_a for_o sin_n but_o now_o there_o be_v a_o principle_n or_o habit_n of_o tenderness_n implant_v in_o the_o soul_n whereby_o it_o be_v dispose_v and_o incline_v to_o relent_v and_o thaw_v ingenuous_o upon_o any_o just_a occasion_n three_o our_o covenant-interest_n may_v be_v evidence_v in_o and_o by_o our_o covenant_n conversation_n all_o the_o knowledge_n which_o be_v communicate_v to_o our_o mind_n and_o all_o the_o tenderness_n give_v to_o our_o heart_n do_v respect_n and_o tend_v to_o this_o ezek._n 36.27_o i_o will_v put_v my_o spirit_n within_o you_o and_o cause_v you_o to_o walk_v in_o my_o statute_n habit_n and_o principle_n be_v for_o action_n and_o practice_n grace_n in_o the_o heart_n be_v for_o obedience_n and_o holiness_n in_o the_o life_n it_o be_v true_a that_o as_o our_o grace_n be_v imperfect_a so_o be_v our_o obedience_n also_o perfect_a work_v be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v from_o imperfect_a creature_n god_n own_o covenant_v people_n do_v often_o grieve_v he_o and_o provoke_v he_o to_o bring_v they_o under_o the_o rod_n of_o affliction_n but_o those_o their_o infirmity_n break_v not_o the_o bond_n of_o the_o covenant_n psal._n 89.30_o 31_o 32._o care_n and_o watchfulness_n ordinary_o go_v before_o they_o conflict_n and_o resistance_n accompany_v they_o and_o shame_n grief_n and_o renew_v care_n usual_o follow_v they_o 2_o cor._n 7.11_o by_o these_o thing_n which_o deserve_v a_o more_o copious_a discourse_n than_o my_o present_a design_n can_v allow_v we_o may_v be_v help_v to_o clear_v our_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o be_v do_v it_o shall_v be_v out_o of_o the_o power_n of_o all_o the_o affliction_n in_o the_o world_n to_o sink_v your_o spirit_n let_v i_o therefore_o in_o the_o last_o place_n add_v use_v iu._n a_o word_n of_o consolation_n to_o your_o deject_a and_o droop_a heart_n upon_o this_o sad_a and_o mournful_a occasion_n why_o be_v you_o so_o trouble_a and_o why_o do_v thought_n arise_v in_o your_o heart_n methinks_v there_o have_v be_v so_o much_o of_o support_n and_o comfort_n already_o discover_v to_o you_o in_o this_o bless_a covenant_n that_o can_v your_o faith_n but_o once_o fix_v upon_o it_o and_o realize_v and_o apply_v it_o i_o may_v lay_v down_o my_o pen_n at_o this_o period_n and_o say_v the_o work_n be_v do_v there_o need_v no_o more_o but_o know_v how_o obstinate_a deep_a sorrow_n be_v and_o how_o difficult_a a_o task_n the_o comfort_v of_o a_o afflict_a mind_n be_v i_o will_v for_o a_o close_a superadd_a a_o few_o consideration_n more_o to_o all_o that_o have_v be_v urge_v and_o argue_v before_o consideration_n i._n consider_v how_o small_a and_o trivial_a the_o comfort_n who_o loss_n you_o bewail_v be_v in_o comparison_n with_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v still_o your_o own_o under_o the_o bond_n of_o a_o sure_a covenant_n a_o son_n a_o only_a and_o a_o promise_a son_n be_v a_o great_a thing_n when_o he_o stand_v in_o comparison_n with_o other_o creature-comfort_n but_o sure_o he_o will_v seem_v a_o small_a thing_n and_o next_o to_o nothing_o when_o set_v by_o or_o compare_v with_o jesus_n christ._n behold_v the_o father_n son_n and_o spirit_n pardon_v and_o eternal_a salvation_n be_v this_o day_n present_v
underpropped_a a_o bow_v wall_n do_v not_o more_o need_v a_o strong_a shore_n or_o butteress_n than_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n need_v â—_o strong_a support_v and_o stay_v from_o heaven_n when_o the_o weight_n of_o affliction_n make_v it_o incline_v and_o leaâ—_n all_o one_o way_n 119.92_o unless_o thy_o law_n haâ—_n be_v my_o delight_n i_o shall_v then_o hauâ—_n perish_v in_o my_o affliction_n q._n d._n whaâ—_n shift_v other_o man_n make_v to_o stand_v the_o shock_n of_o their_o affliction_n i_o know_v not_o but_o this_o i_o know_v that_o if_o god_n have_v not_o seasonable_o send_v i_o the_o relief_n of_o a_o promise_n i_o have_v certain_o go_v away_o in_o a_o faint_a fit_n of_o despondency_n o_o how_o seasonable_o do_v god_n administer_v the_o cordial_n of_o his_o word_n to_o my_o droop_a sink_a soul_n this_o weakness_n in_o the_o mind_n to_o support_v the_o burden_n of_o affliction_n proceed_v from_o a_o double_a cause_n viz._n 1._o from_o the_o sink_a weight_n of_o the_o affliction_n 2._o from_o the_o irregular_a and_o inordinate_a work_n of_o the_o thought_n under_o it_o 1._o from_o the_o sink_a weight_n that_o be_v in_o affliction_n especial_o in_o some_o sort_n of_o affliction_n they_o be_v heavy_a pressure_n ponderous_a burden_n in_o themselves_o so_o job_n speak_v o_o that_o my_o grief_n be_v thorough_o weigh_v 3._o and_o my_o calamity_n lay_v in_o the_o balance_n together_o for_o now_o it_o will_v be_v heavy_a than_o the_o sand_n of_o the_o sea_n therefore_o my_o word_n be_v swallow_v up_o q._n d._n if_o all_o the_o sand_n that_o lie_v upon_o all_o the_o shore_n in_o the_o world_n be_v shovel_v up_o into_o one_o heap_n and_o cast_v into_o one_o scale_n and_o my_o â—_z into_o the_o other_o my_o grief_n will_v weigh_v it_o all_o up_o how_o heavy_a be_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o afflict_a what_o insupportable_a sorrow_n do_v they_o feel_v and_o groan_v under_o especial_o when_o god_n smite_v they_o in_o the_o dear_a and_o near_a concern_v they_o have_v in_o the_o world_n 2._o but_o especial_o the_o reel_n and_o staggering_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v occasion_v by_o the_o inordinate_a and_o irregular_a work_n of_o its_o own_o thought_n be_v it_o but_o possible_a to_o keep_v the_o mind_n in_o a_o serene_a sedate_n and_o ordinate_a frame_n our_o burden_n will_v be_v comparative_o light_a to_o what_o we_o now_o feel_v they_o to_o be_v but_o the_o fall_n of_o the_o thought_n into_o confusion_n and_o great_a distraction_n spoil_v all_o upon_o this_o account_n iâ—_n be_v that_o affliction_n be_v compareâ—_n to_o a_o stupify_a dose_n which_o casâ—_n the_o soul_n into_o amazement_n 60.3_o thâ—â—_n have_v show_v thy_o people_n hard_a thing_n thou_o have_v make_v we_o to_o drink_v the_o wiâ—_n of_o astonishment_n affliction_n be_v call_v the_o wine_n of_o astonishment_n from_o their_o effect_n upon_o the_o mind_n for_o under_o a_o great_a and_o sudden_a stroke_n of_o god_n it_o be_v like_o a_o watch_n wound_v up_o above_o its_o due_a height_n so_o that_o for_o a_o time_n it_o stand_v still_o neither_o grace_n nor_o reason_n move_v at_o all_o and_o when_o it_o begin_v to_o move_v again_o o_o how_o confuse_a and_o irregular_a be_v its_o motion_n it_o be_v full_a of_o murmur_n dispute_n and_o quarrel_n these_o aggravate_v both_o our_o sin_n and_o misery_n it_o be_v our_o own_o thought_n which_o take_v the_o arrow_n god_n shoot_v at_o we_o which_o do_v but_o stick_v before_o in_o our_o clothes_n and_o be_v never_o intend_v to_o hurt_v we_o but_o only_o to_o warn_v we_o and_o thrust_v it_o into_o our_o very_a heart_n for_o t1hought_n as_o well_o as_o poniard_n can_v pierce_v and_o wound_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n luke_n 2.35_o a_o sword_n shall_v pierce_v through_o thy_o own_o soul_n i._n e._n thy_o thought_n shall_v pierce_v thou_o they_o can_v shake_v the_o whole_a fabric_n of_o the_o body_n and_o loose_v the_o best_a compact_a and_o strong_o joint_v part_n of_o the_o body_n dan._n 5.6_o his_o thought_n trouble_v he_o and_o the_o joint_n of_o his_o loin_n be_v loose_v and_o thus_o a_o man_n own_o mind_n become_v a_o rack_n of_o torment_n to_o he_o a_o misery_n which_o no_o creature_n except_o man_n and_o devil_n be_v subject_v to_o o_o how_o many_o body_n have_v be_v destroy_v by_o the_o passion_n of_o the_o soul_n they_o cut_v through_o it_o as_o keen_a knife_n through_o a_o narrow_a sheath_n worldly_n sorrow_n work_v death_n 2_o cor._n 7.10_o proposition_n ii_o the_o merciful_a god_n in_o condescension_n to_o the_o weakness_n of_o his_o people_n have_v provide_v the_o best_a support_n and_o relief_n for_o their_o feeble_a and_o afflict_a spirit_n 94.19_o in_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o thought_n i_o have_v within_o i_o thy_o comfort_n delight_v my_o soul._n carnal_a man_n seek_v their_o relief_n under_o trouble_n from_o carnal_a thing_n when_o one_o creature_n forsake_v they_o they_o retreat_z to_o another_o which_o be_v yet_o leave_v they_o till_o they_o be_v beat_v out_o of_o all_o and_o then_o their_o heart_n fail_v have_v no_o acquaintance_n with_o god_n or_o special_a interest_n in_o he_o for_o the_o creature_n will_v quick_o spend_v all_o that_o allowance_n of_o comfort_n they_o have_v to_o spend_v upon_o we_o some_o try_v what_o relief_n the_o rule_n of_o philosophy_n can_v yield_v they_o suppose_v a_o neat_a sentence_n of_o seneca_n may_v be_v as_o good_a a_o remedy_n as_o a_o text_n of_o david_n or_o paul_n but_o alas_o it_o will_v not_o do_v submission_n from_o fatal_a necessity_n will_v never_o ease_v the_o afflict_a mind_n as_o christian_a resignation_n will_v do_v it_o be_v not_o the_o eradicate_v but_o regulate_v of_o the_o affection_n that_o compose_v a_o burden_a and_o distract_a soul._n one_o word_n of_o god_n will_v signify_v more_o to_o our_o peace_n than_o all_o the_o fame_a and_o admire_a precept_n of_o man_n to_o neglect_v god_n and_o seek_v relief_n from_o the_o creature_n be_v to_o forsake_v the_o fountain_n of_o live_a water_n and_o go_v to_o the_o break_a cistern_n 2.13_o which_o can_v hold_v no_o water_n the_o best_a creature_n be_v but_o a_o cistern_n not_o a_o fountain_n and_o our_o dependence_n on_o it_o make_v it_o a_o break_a cistern_n strike_v a_o hole_n through_o the_o bottom_n of_o it_o so_o that_o it_o can_v hold_v no_o water_n ay_o even_o i_o say_v god_n be_o he_o that_o comfort_v thou_o 57.12_o the_o same_o hand_n that_o wound_v you_o must_v heal_v you_o or_o you_o can_v never_o be_v heal_v ouâ—_n compassionate_a saviour_n to_o assuage_v our_o sorrow_n 14.18_o have_v promise_v he_o wiâ—â—_n not_o leave_v we_o comfortless_o our_o god_n will_v not_o contend_v for_o ever_o lest_o the_o spirit_n fail_v before_o he_o isai._n 57.16_o he_o know_v how_o ineffectual_a all_o other_o comfort_n and_o comforter_n will_v be_v even_o physician_n of_o no_o value_n and_o therefore_o have_v gracious_o prepare_v comfort_n for_o his_o distress_a one_o that_o will_v reach_v their_o end_n proposition_n iii_o god_n have_v gather_v all_o the_o materials_n and_o principal_n of_o our_o relief_n into_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o expect_v that_o 〈◊〉_d betake_v ourselves_o unto_o it_o in_o time_n oâ—_n distress_n as_o to_o our_o sure_a sufficient_a and_o only_a remedy_n as_o all_o the_o river_n run_v into_o the_o sea_n and_o there_o be_v the_o congregation_n of_o all_o the_o water_n so_o all_o the_o promise_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v gather_v into_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o there_o be_v the_o congregation_n of_o all_o the_o sweet_a stream_n of_o refreshment_n that_o be_v disperse_v throughout_o the_o scripture_n the_o covenant_n be_v the_o storehouse_n of_o promise_n the_o shop_n of_o cordial_n and_o rare_a elixir_n to_o revive_v we_o in_o all_o our_o faint_n tho_o alas_o most_o man_n know_v no_o more_o what_o be_v their_o virtue_n or_o where_o to_o find_v they_o than_o a_o illiterate_a rustic_a put_v into_o a_o apothecary_n shop_n what_o be_v the_o cordial_a god_n prepare_v to_o revive_v the_o heart_n of_o his_o poor_a captive_n groan_v under_o hard_a and_o grievous_a bondage_n both_o in_o egypt_n and_o in_o babylon_n be_v it_o not_o his_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n and_o why_o do_v he_o give_v it_o the_o solemn_a confirmation_n by_o a_o oath_n but_o that_o it_o may_v yield_v to_o he_o and_o all_o his_o believe_a seed_n 18._o strong_a consolation_n the_o very_a spirit_n of_o joy_n amid_o all_o their_o sorrow_n and_o what_o be_v the_o relief_n god_n give_v to_o the_o believe_a eunuch_n that_o keep_v his_o sabbath_n take_v hold_v of_o his_o covenant_n and_o choose_v the_o thing_n in_o which_o he_o delight_v to_o they_o say_v he_o will_v i_o give_v in_o my_o house_n and_o within_o my_o wall_n 56.4_o a_o place_n and_o a_o namâ—_n better_o than_o that_o of_o son_n or_o of_o daughter_n though_o
together_o say_v god._n o_o bless_a fruit_n of_o sanctified_a rod_n such_o precious_a effect_n as_o these_o rich_o repay_v you_o for_o â—ll_o the_o pain_n and_o anguish_n you_o feel_v and_o thus_o as_o the_o wound_n of_o a_o scorpion_n be_v heal_v by_o apply_v its_o own_o oil_n so_o the_o evil_a of_o affliction_n be_v cure_v by_o the_o sanctify_a fruit_n that_o â—t_a produce_v when_o it_o be_v once_o put_v â—nto_o the_o covenant_n argument_n iii_o the_o covenant_n do_v not_o only_o alter_v the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o the_o saint_n affliction_n but_o it_o also_o orderly_a dispose_n and_o apt_o place_v they_o in_o the_o frame_n of_o providence_n among_o thâ—_n other_o mean_n and_o instrument_n 〈◊〉_d our_o salvation_n so_o that_o a_o councâ—_n of_o angel_n can_v never_o place_v they_o or_o the_o least_o circumstance_n belong_v to_o they_o more_o apt_o and_o advantageous_o than_o it_o have_v do_v the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o must_v need_v quiet_a and_o full_o relieve_v the_o afflict_a soul_n and_o who_o can_v doubt_v it_o that_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v a_o covenant_n order_v in_o all_o thing_n as_o the_o teâ—_n speak_v here_o all_o thing_n yea_o thâ—_n most_o minute-circumstance_n that_o beâ—fal_v you_o be_v reduce_v to_o their_o proper_a class_n and_o place_n of_o service_n sâ—_n exact_o order_v that_o all_o the_o wiâ—dom_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n know_v not_o how_o to_o mend_v or_o alter_v any_o thing_n to_o your_o advantage_n if_o a_o small_a pin_n be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o frame_n of_o a_o watch_n and_o place_v any_o where_o else_o the_o motion_n be_v either_o present_o stop_v or_o make_v irregular_a and_o as_o galen_n observe_v of_o the_o curious_a fabric_n of_o a_o humane_a body_n that_o if_o the_o great_a naturalist_n shall_v study_v a_o hundred_o year_n to_o find_v out_o a_o more_o commodious_a situation_n or_o configuration_n of_o any_o part_n thereof_o it_o can_v never_o be_v do_v it_o be_v so_o here_o no_o man_n can_v come_v after_o god_n and_o say_v this_o or_o that_o have_v be_v better_o place_v or_o time_v than_o it_o be_v if_o this_o affliction_n have_v be_v spare_v and_o such_o a_o enjoyment_n stand_v in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o it_o have_v be_v better_a all_o god_n providence_n be_v the_o result_v and_o issue_v of_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n for_o he_o work_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o own_o will_n eph._n 1.11_o the_o wheel_n i._n e._n the_o motion_n and_o revolution_n of_o providence_n be_v full_a of_o eye_n 1.18_o they_o be_v well_o advise_v and_o judicious_a motion_n non_fw-la caeco_fw-la impetu_fw-la volvuntur_fw-la rotae_fw-la they_o run_v not_o at_o random_n the_o most_o regular_a and_o excellent_a work_n must_v needs_o follow_v the_o most_o deep_a and_o perfect_a counsel_n isai._n 28_o 29._o he_o be_v deep_a in_o counsel_n and_o excellent_a in_o work_v now_o every_o affliction_n that_o befall_v god_n covenant_v people_n be_v place_v by_o the_o most_o wise_a and_o infinite_a counsel_n of_o god_n in_o thaâ—_n very_a order_n time_n and_o manner_n in_o which_o they_o befall_v they_o this_o very_a affliction_n and_o not_o that_o at_o this_o very_a time_n and_o not_o at_o another_o it_o be_v always_o a_o time_n of_o need_n 1_o pet._n 1.6_o and_o usher_v in_o by_o such_o fore-running_a occasion_n and_o circumstance_n it_o must_v follow_v that_o they_o all_o take_v the_o proper_a place_n and_o nick_n exact_o the_o fit_a season_n and_o if_o one_o of_o they_o be_v want_v something_o will_v be_v defective_a in_o the_o frame_n of_o your_o happiness_n as_o they_o now_o stand_v they_o work_v together_o for_o your_o good_a which_o displace_v they_o will_v not_o do_v it_o be_v say_v jer._n 18.11_o behold_v â—_o frame_v evil_n and_o i_o devise_v a_o deviâ—_n it_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o contrivance_n and_o frame_n of_o affliction_n as_o the_o proper_a work_n of_o god._n the_o project_n of_o iâ—_n be_v lay_v for_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o eternal_a good_a of_o his_o people_n it_o turn_v to_o their_o salvation_n 1_o phil._n 19_o but_o oh_o how_o fain_o will_v we_o have_v this_o or_o that_o affliction_n screw_v out_o of_o the_o frame_n of_o providence_n conceive_v it_o will_v be_v far_o better_a out_o than_o in_o o_o if_o god_n have_v spare_v my_o child_n or_o my_o health_n it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o i_o than_o now_o it_o be_v but_o this_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o presumptuous_a correct_v and_o control_v of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o so_o he_o interpret_v it_o job_n 40.2_o he_o that_o reprove_v god_n let_v he_o answer_v it_o god_n have_v put_v every_o affliction_n upon_o your_o person_n estate_n relation_n just_o where_o you_o find_v and_o feel_v it_o and_o that_o whole_a frame_n he_o have_v put_v into_o the_o covenant_n in_o the_o virtue_n whereof_o it_o work_v for_o your_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o let_v all_o dispute_n and_o reason_n all_o murmur_n and_o discontent_n cease_v nothing_o can_v be_v better_o for_o you_o than_o as_o god_n have_v lay_v it_o and_o this_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v heal_v and_o quiet_a all_o you_o yourselves_o will_v mar_v all_o by_o presume_v to_o mend_v any_o thing_n who_o have_v direct_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n 14._o or_o be_v his_o counsellor_n have_v teach_v he_o with_o who_o take_v he_o counsel_n and_o who_o instruct_v he_o and_o teach_v he_o the_o path_n of_o judgement_n and_o teach_v he_o knowledge_n and_o show_v he_o the_o way_n of_o understanding_n well_o then_o be_v satisfy_v it_o be_v best_o as_o it_o be_v and_o nothing_o can_v be_v so_o advantageous_a to_o you_o as_o god_n project_n and_o contrivance_n which_o you_o be_v so_o uneasy_a under_o and_o dissatisfy_v about_o argument_n iu._n as_o the_o covenant_n sort_n and_o rank_n all_o your_o trouble_n into_o their_o proper_a class_n and_o place_n of_o service_n so_o it_o secure_v the_o special_a gracious_a presence_n of_o god_n with_o you_o in_o the_o deep_a plunge_n of_o distress_n that_o can_v befall_v you_o which_o presence_n be_v a_o full_a relief_n to_o all_o your_o trouble_n or_o else_o nothing_o in_o the_o world_n be_v or_o can_v be_v so_o the_o very_a heathen_n think_v themselves_o well_o secure_v against_o all_o evil_n and_o danger_n if_o they_o have_v their_o petty_a household_n god_n with_o they_o in_o their_o journey_n but_o the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n have_v engage_v to_o be_v with_o his_o people_n in_o all_o their_o affliction_n and_o distress_n as_o a_o tender_a father_n sit_v up_o himself_o with_o his_o sick_a child_n and_o will_v not_o leave_v he_o to_o the_o care_n of_o a_o servant_n only_o so_o god_n think_v it_o not_o enough_o to_o leave_v his_o child_n to_o the_o tutelage_n and_o charge_n of_o angel_n but_o will_v be_v with_o they_o himself_o and_o that_o in_o a_o special_a and_o peculiar_a way_n so_o run_v the_o express_a word_n of_o the_o covenant_n 32.40_o i_o will_v not_o turn_v away_o from_o they_o to_o do_v they_o good_a but_o i_o will_v put_v my_o fear_n into_o their_o heart_n and_o they_o shall_v not_o depart_v from_o i_o here_o he_o undertake_v for_o both_o part_n himself_o and_o they_o i_o will_v not_o and_o they_o shall_v not_o here_o be_v the_o saint_n security_n for_o the_o gracious_a presence_n of_o god_n with_o they_o a_o presence_n which_o dispel_v all_o the_o cloud_n of_o affliction_n and_o sorrow_n as_o the_o sun_n scatter_v the_o morning_n mist_n the_o god_n of_o all_o consolation_n be_v with_o you_o o_o poor_a deject_a believer_n and_o will_v not_o such_o a_o presence_n turn_v the_o darkness_n into_o light_n round_o about_o you_o there_o be_v a_o threefold_a presence_n of_o god_n with_o his_o creature_n 1._o essential_a which_o be_v common_a and_o necessary_a to_o all_o 2._o gracious_a which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o some_o on_o earth_n 3._o glorious_a which_o be_v the_o felicity_n of_o heaven_n the_o first_o be_v not_o the_o privilege_n here_o secure_v for_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o all_o good_a and_o bad_a in_o he_o we_o all_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v the_o vile_a man_n on_o earth_n yea_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o field_n and_o the_o very_a devil_n in_o hell_n be_v always_o in_o this_o presence_n of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v their_o torment_n rather_o than_o their_o privilege_n the_o last_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o glorify_a saint_n and_o angel_n such_o a_o presence_n embody_a saint_n can_v now_o bear_v but_o it_o be_v his_o special_a gracious_a presence_n which_o be_v make_v over_o and_o secure_v to_o they_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o this_o presence_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_v to_o they_o two_o way_n 1._o internal_o by_o the_o spirit_n 2._o external_o by_o providence_n 1._o internal_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n dwell_v and_o act_v
or_o nowhere_o our_o redress_n be_v to_o be_v find_v why_o seek_v we_o the_o live_n among_o the_o dead_a comfort_n from_o thing_n that_o can_v yield_v it_o the_o covenant_n can_v discover_v two_o thing_n which_o be_v able_a to_o pacify_v the_o most_o discompose_v heart_n viz._n 1._o the_o good_a of_o affliction_n 2._o the_o end_n of_o affliction_n 1._o it_o will_v discover_v to_o we_o the_o good_a of_o affliction_n and_o so_o rectify_v our_o mistake_a judgement_n about_o it_o god_n be_v not_o undo_v but_o consult_v our_o interest_n and_o happiness_n in_o all_o these_o dispensation_n it_o will_v satisfy_v we_o that_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n he_o do_v no_o more_o than_o what_o we_o ourselves_o allow_v and_o approve_v in_o other_o case_n it_o be_v not_o mere_o from_o his_o pleasure_n but_o for_o our_o profit_n that_o these_o breach_n be_v make_v upon_o our_o family_n and_o comfort_n heb._n 12.10_o who_o blame_v the_o mariner_n for_o cast_v the_o good_n over_o board_n to_o save_v ship_n and_o life_n in_o a_o storm_n or_o the_o chirurgeon_n for_o lance_v yea_o or_o cut_v off_o a_o leg_n or_o arm_n to_o preserve_v the_o life_n of_o his_o patient_n or_o soldier_n for_o burn_a or_o beat_v down_o the_o suburb_n to_o save_v the_o city_n in_o a_o siege_n and_o why_o must_v god_n only_o be_v censure_v for_o cut_v off_o those_o thing_n from_o we_o which_o he_o know_v will_v hazard_v we_o in_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o temptation_n he_o see_v the_o lessâ—_n have_v of_o entanglement_n the_o mâ—â—_n promptness_n and_o fitness_n we_o 〈◊〉_d have_v to_o go_v through_o the_o trial_n 〈◊〉_d be_v come_v upon_o we_o and_o that_o the_o comfort_n he_o cut_v off_o from_o 〈◊〉_d body_n go_v to_o the_o profit_n and_o 〈◊〉_d vantage_n of_o our_o soul_n 2._o here_o you_o gain_v a_o sight_n 〈◊〉_d only_o of_o the_o good_a of_o affliction_n 〈◊〉_d also_o of_o the_o comfortable_a end_n 〈◊〉_d issue_n of_o affliction_n this_o clouâ—_n and_o stormy_a morning_n will_v wind_v 〈◊〉_d in_o a_o serene_a and_o pleasant_a evening_n there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n betwit_v our_o meeting_n with_o affliction_n 〈◊〉_d our_o part_n from_o they_o 5.11_o you_o haâ—â—_n hear_v of_o the_o patience_n of_o job_n and_o 〈◊〉_d see_v the_o end_n of_o the_o lord_n o_o get_v 〈◊〉_d iob_n spirit_n under_o affliction_n anâ—_n you_o may_v see_v as_o happy_a a_o end_n 〈◊〉_d they_o as_o he_o do_v have_v naomy_n see_v the_o end_n of_o 〈◊〉_d lord_n in_o take_v away_o her_o husband_n and_o starve_v she_o out_o of_o moab_n 〈◊〉_d will_v not_o have_v change_v her_o name_n or_o say_v the_o lord_n have_v deal_v bitter_a with_o she_o in_o graft_v her_o daughter_n by_o that_o providence_n into_o the_o noble_a line_n out_o of_o which_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n be_v to_o rise_v and_o can_v you_o but_o see_v that_o good_a in_o order_n to_o which_o all_o this_o train_n of_o trouble_n be_v â—aid_v you_o will_v not_o murmur_v or_o â—espond_v as_o you_o do_v object_n 1._o o_o but_o this_o be_v a_o grievous_a stroke_n god_n have_v smite_v â—e_n in_o the_o apple_n of_o my_o eye_n and_o write_v bitter_a thing_n against_o i_o no_o sorrow_n be_v like_o my_o sorrow_n it_o be_v a_o mourning_n for_o a_o only_a son_n i_o have_v lose_v all_o in_o one_o sol._n 1._o you_o can_v never_o lose_v all_o in_o one_o except_o that_o one_o be_v christ_n and_o he_o be_v you_o in_o covenant_n can_v never_o be_v lose_v but_o your_o meaning_n be_v you_o have_v lose_v all_o of_o that_o kind_n in_o one_o no_o more_o son_n to_o build_v up_o your_o house_n and_o continue_v your_o name_n 2._o but_o yet_o religion_n will_v not_o allow_v you_o to_o say_v that_o your_o dead_a child_n be_v a_o lose_a generation_n praemittuntur_fw-la non_fw-la amittuntur_fw-la they_o be_v send_v before_o but_o not_o lose_v for_o they_o be_v a_o covenant-seed_n by_o you_o dedicate_v to_o the_o lord_n they_o be_v child_n of_o many_o prayer_n a_o great_a stock_n of_o prayer_n be_v laiâ—_n up_o for_o they_o in_o they_o also_o yoâ—_n and_o all_o that_o know_v they_o discerneâ—_n a_o teachable_a spirit_n pious_a inclinaâ—tions_n and_o conscience_n of_o secret_a duty_n some_o good_a thing_n towards_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n as_o be_v saiâ—_n of_o young_a abijah_n 1_o king._n 14_o 1â—_n so_o that_o you_o part_v from_o they_o uâ—_n on_o far_o easy_a term_n than_o good_a dâ—â—vid_n part_v from_o his_o amnon_n absâ—â—lom_n or_o adonijah_n who_o die_v in_o theâ—â—_n sin_n and_o open_a rebellion_n therâ—_n be_v a_o sting_n in_o his_o trouble_n whicâ—_n you_o feel_v not_o and_o if_o he_o comfort_v himself_o notwithstanding_o in_o thâ—_n covenant_n of_o his_o god_n in_o this_o râ—â—spect_n may_v you_o much_o more_o object_n 2._o o_o but_o my_o son_n wâ—_n cut_v off_o in_o the_o very_a bud_n just_a whâ—â—_n the_o fruit_n of_o education_n be_v reâ—â—dy_a to_o disclose_v and_o open_v sol._n let_v not_o that_o consideration_n so_o incense_v your_o sorrow_n goâ—_n know_v the_o fit_a time_n both_o to_o giu_v and_o to_o take_v our_o comfort_n anâ—_n see_v you_o have_v good_a ground_n 〈◊〉_d hope_v your_o child_n die_v intere_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n you_o have_v the_o less_o reason_n to_o insist_v upon_o that_o afflict_a circumstance_n of_o a_o immature_n death_n he_o that_o die_v in_o christ_n have_v live_v long_o enough_o both_o for_o himself_o and_o we_o that_o mariner_n have_v sail_v long_o enough_o that_o have_v gain_v his_o port_n and_o that_o soldier_n fight_v long_o enough_o that_o have_v win_v the_o victory_n and_o that_o child_n live_v long_o enough_o that_o have_v win_v heaven_n how_o early_o soever_o he_o die_v beside_o the_o soon_o he_o die_v the_o less_o sin_n he_o have_v commit_v and_o the_o less_o misery_n he_o see_v and_o feel_v in_o this_o wretched_a world_n which_o we_o be_v leave_v to_o behold_v and_o feel_v and_o it_o be_v but_o a_o vanity_n to_o imagine_v that_o the_o part_a pull_n with_o he_o will_v have_v be_v easy_a if_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o have_v be_v long_o for_o the_o long_a enjoyment_n of_o desirable_a comfort_n do_v not_o use_v to_o weaken_v but_o abundant_o to_o strengthen_v and_o fasten_v the_o tie_n of_o affection_n submit_v your_o reason_n therefore_o as_o be_v meet_v to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n who_o certain_o choose_v the_o fit_a season_n for_o this_o affliction_n o_o but_o no_o more_o butt_v and_o objection_n i_o beseech_v you_o enough_o have_v be_v offer_v from_o the_o covenant_n of_o your_o god_n to_o silence_v all_o your_o objection_n and_o to_o give_v you_o the_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n of_o a_o resign_v will._n and_o what_o be_v all_o our_o butt_n and_o objection_n but_o a_o spurn_v at_o divine_a sovereignty_n and_o the_o thrust_v in_o the_o affliction_n deep_o into_o your_o own_o heart_n which_o be_v wound_v but_o too_o deep_a already_o i_o persuade_v you_o not_o to_o put_v off_o but_o to_o regulate_v natural_a affection_n to_o be_v without_o they_o will_v deserve_o rank_v we_o among_o the_o worst_a of_o heathen_n but_o right_o to_o bind_v and_o manage_v they_o will_v set_v you_o among_o the_o best_a of_o christian_n i_o can_v imagine_v what_o ease_n or_o advantage_n holy_a basil_n gain_v by_o such_o a_o particular_a and_o heart_n pierce_v account_n etc._n as_o he_o give_v of_o a_o like_a affliction_n with_o this_o nor_o to_o what_o purpose_n it_o can_v be_v to_o you_o to_o recall_v and_o recount_v those_o thing_n which_o only_a incense_n and_o aggravate_v your_o trouble_n doubtless_o your_o better_a way_n be_v to_o turn_v your_o thought_n from_o such_o subject_n as_o these_o to_o your_o god_n in_o covenant_n as_o david_n in_o the_o text_n do_v and_o to_o recount_v the_o many_o great_a and_o inestimable_a mercy_n that_o be_v secure_v to_o you_o therein_o which_o death_n shall_v never_o smite_v or_o cut_v off_o from_o you_o as_o it_o do_v your_o other_o enjoyment_n quest._n but_o yet_o unless_o we_o can_v in_o some_o measure_n clear_v our_o covenant-interest_n all_o these_o excellent_a cordial_n prepare_v will_v signify_v no_o more_o to_o our_o relief_n than_o water_n spill_v upon_o the_o ground_n help_v we_o therefore_o to_o do_v that_o or_o else_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v be_v in_o vain_a how_o may_v a_o person_n discern_v his_o covenant-right_a and_o interest_n answ._n this_o indeed_o be_v worthy_a of_o all_o consideration_n and_o deserve_v a_o serious_a answer_n forasmuch_o as_o it_o be_v fundamental_a to_o your_o comfort_n and_o all_o actual_a refreshment_n in_o time_n of_o trouble_n and_o will_v bring_v we_o to_o the_o next_o use_v which_o be_v for_o trial_n of_o our_o covenant-interest_n use_v iii_o the_o great_a question_n to_o be_v decide_v be_v whether_o god_n be_v our_o covenant-god_n and_o we_o his_o people_n a_o question_n of_o the_o most_o solemn_a nature_n